I am looking to delete the radio. I have searched far and wide in regard to people actually removing the radio, permanently, and havn't found anything useful to me.

I want to know if by removing the radio, if any other members on the CAN will get upset with me for unfriending one of their buddies. Essentially if I will have any codes/permanent warning lights (EML/DSC).

I don't think it will be a big deal - Best to leave the answer to people that have either built race cars and eliminated the radio, or people that have built show cars and upgraded the radio. This is where YOU come in!

Thanks in advance for the help. I will post up my planned gauge cluster If I follow through with this project.


-Chris

 

simple way to find out is unplug the radio and drive around a bit.

 

That might be fine, I just want to be sure. I once got into a lot of trouble when I had my key in the accessory position and unplugged my tach, so since then I have been hesitent to do anything while the modules are awake (< 16 min from key-off).

 

I read in another thread recently that you need the factory head unit installed if BMW/MINI need to do any software updates. The radio module must be active, for some reason, for the dealership to connect. Sorry I can't be more specific/helpful, since it's a 2nd gen thing I didn't retain the details.

 

Here we go, this is the thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ption-now.html

Not sure if it applies to your situation or not.

 

I think that you didn't search here at NAM though?

 

He might have, but the search function on this forum is terrible. Tell me which search terms would have produced good results.

 

This is true, sadly.

My cars have no factory radio and the car is fine without it - but whenever MINI connects to the car, their computer throws an error. I've seen them have to temporarily hook up a factory radio, to work on the car!

 

That thread is for second gen MINIs - which definitely are more unhappy with removing their radio! First gen don't care.

 

Here's a Google search on this forum for other related posts...

It turned up this thread...

But also this one.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

This thread was started in the wrong forum (1st gen). The OP's signature says R55 (Clubman).

 

And now we see how confusing search must be for folks

 

Nope, this is for my MC40 (R53)



I have searched NAM on this topic under "radio delete" and have searched through both posts and topics and could not find anything relevant to what I was looking for.

I have not searched under google, as I figured any relevant link would be from NAM anyway.


@GBMINI, If it helps explain for future reference, the IKE on the R50/53 is the speedometer, or the main module controlling the tach. On certain Mini models like the One, a tach is a retrofittable item and therefore not mandatory for the IKE to perform. On the R56 platform ,the KOMBI, its the opposite (the tach is the parent and the speedo is the child). As the radio is linked through the speedo, however, is what makes the removal and upgrade difficult. I can see the RAD having to be in attendance for a dealer software update in that case.


I basically think E90 body electronics when I look at an R56, as they are for the most part, equal. That is my understanding of the two.

Thanks all for the replies and links. I will be looking through those now and report what I find

 

Then there is no problem at all with disconnecting the radio permanently.

 

Thanks for the help all. I will report my findings when I remove the radio and install my new blank plate (to be converted into a three-gauge pod).

To be clearer on the point of this topic:
I understand that the radio can be replaced with an upgraded head unit, without issue. I just want to be sure that by removing it completely, I will not create any unwanted glitches with the electronic system. If theres anyone that would have a quantitative answer, this would be the right place to ask, so here I am .

Right now, I am thinking of re-locating the radio, instead of eliminating it completely. I'm not sure whether to remove or re-locate it because I rarely use it.

 

There will be no glitches. The audio system in the 1st gen is essentially standalone and not integrated with anything else in the car (except audio related things such as steering wheel buttons and factory Nav).

 

Thank you

 

MINI built cars @ Oxford with no radio fitted for certain markets and fitted this instead.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=65&fg=05&hl=1

they had no problems driving them round the factory.......

 

This is exactly the part I ordered to make my gauge pod from. I may relocate the radio, but at this point I am going to wait until I am ready to install my gauges. If anything, it will be relocated to glove box. We'll see when we get there.